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Finding the Best Free AI Upscalers: A Personal Review
Not all free AI upscalers are created equal. I tested eight different ones on the same image to identify which, if any, truly deliver results. One stood out above the rest.
1. Let’s Enhance
Let’s Enhance boasts a sleek interface that immediately gives a good impression. You simply upload your image, select your desired upscaling level (or let it set to auto), and choose a style preset like “Old Photo” or “Digital Art.” The system takes care of the rest.
When I used it on a low-resolution portrait, I noticed it did a commendable job of sharpening edges and reducing noise without excessive alteration. The before-and-after comparisons illustrate its effectiveness.
Tip: Zoom into the images to see the differences more clearly.
However, there’s a catch: watermarks. You receive 10 free credits each month, but your images will be marked. While the watermark isn’t overly intrusive, it’s noticeable enough to be a dealbreaker for casual uses like social media or product images. Personally, this was enough for me to look elsewhere.
2. Upscale.media
Upscale.media has a no-frills design. The interface is straightforward: upload an image, select an upscale level (up to 8×), and press a button. This simplicity allows for quick results without getting bogged down in technical settings.
You get two free upscales daily, which is great for occasional needs. Unlike some alternatives, this tool doesn’t watermark your images, making it ideal for those who want immediate, usable results without hassle.
I tested it with the same low-res portrait, and the 4× upscale produced impressive results, enhancing details and maintaining color consistency. However, the 8× upscale didn’t perform as well, occasionally smoothing out fine details, which is something I particularly dislike when editing portraits.
3. VanceAI
VanceAI offers a clean and focused interface with three main tools: Enlarge, Sharpen, and Denoise. Each function is user-friendly. You upload your image, choose your scaling (up to 8×), and let the AI handle the rest.
I tested VanceAI on the same portrait image, and while the results were subtle, they held up well. Facial features retained their structure, and the skin didn’t appear overly smoothed—a common issue with many AI tools.
4. BigJPG
BigJPG feels a bit old-fashioned compared to its more modern counterparts. The interface could use a makeover, but it does the job. I was able to run five images without hitting a paywall, and none of the outputs bore watermarks, which is a plus. Though the results were average, they didn’t underperform.
5. Icons8 Smart Upscaler
Icons8 Smart Upscaler is another straightforward option. You upload an image, and it automatically doubles the resolution. However, the free tier only allows three demonstration upscales at 2×, which felt limiting. While there was some reduction in pixelation, the results weren’t dramatically impressive. Plus, the upscaled images come with an intrusive watermark.
6. Img.Upscaler
Img.Upscaler stands out with a generous offering of 20 free upscales on its free plan. While the interface might look outdated, it gets the job done efficiently. In my tests with the same portrait, the results were decent—not groundbreaking, but respectable.
7. Canva
Though Canva’s AI upscaler is tucked away within its design platform, it stands out as the most capable tool in this review. You can upscale images up to 8× for free, and the results are consistently sharp and vivid. However, the process is not as straightforward as other tools; you need to create a design project, upload the image, then apply the upscale.
This added complexity might deter users looking for a quick solution. Still, if the goal is quality, Canva is hard to beat.
8. ImgLarger
Finally, ImgLarger offers a reliable tool with an impressive 100 free credits monthly. Its straightforward interface allows for 200% or 400% upscaling without requiring sign-in. The results were slightly sharper but still leaned a bit on the smoothing side, particularly for skin textures.
Conclusion
Out of the eight AI upscalers I tested, ImgLarger is my top recommendation. It provides a more generous monthly credit system without watermark traps. While Canva delivers the best overall quality, the process is a bit cumbersome for one-off uses.
If you seek a quick, effective tool with consistent results, ImgLarger is your best bet. For an extensive project within Canva, its upscaling feature is worth considering.
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